Rugby coaching drill to get players side stepping at close quarters

This rugby coaching session is designed to help your players side-step at close quarters. Sometimes the step is more like a swerve, so the session allows both swerves and steps. It will also make your players think with their "head up".

What you tell your players the session is about

Simple side steps and swerves.
Keeping balanced during a change in direction, and accelerating away.

What you tell your players to do

Attack one side of the cone or player and drive off hard in the next direction.

What you get your players to do

Four columns of players stand opposite each other about 10m apart, with a ball carrier at the front.
Place a diamond shape of cones in the middle (about 1m apart).
The player at the front of the queue runs to the right of the cone in front of them. They then step or swerve left and accelerate through to the other side.
After four attempts by each player, change the direction of the step or swerve.
Start very slowly and build up the pace.

Rugby coaching drill to help players side step at close quarters

Develop the drill

Swap the cones for static players.
Have a feeder at the start so the players receive a pass as in a game.
Have two players run out together, one with a ball. After they step and accelerate, the ball carrier pops the ball to the other player.

What to call out

"Hold the ball in two hands."
"Accelerate away."
"Drive off from one foot to change direction."
"Dip your shoulder one way and move in the opposite direction."

What to watch out for

Players who have difficulty changing direction. They can use smaller steps before changing direction.
Players who stop or slow down. They can try a smooth change of direction rather than a sharp change.

What to think about

How the players can keep their balance while changing direction.
Using "chin-knee-toe" for side steps. When making the step, the chin, knee and toe of the driving side should all be in line.
For the swerve move, try getting players to lean over so far one way, they "fall" onto the foot they need to drive off from to move in the new direction.

To get more rugby coaching sessions delivered direct to your inbox, click here to subscribe to Smart Sessions Advanced Skills. Smart Sessions Advanced Skills are ideal for coaching more experienced players. Each contains a detailed plan split into three sections: a training session, how to develop it and how to use it in a game situation.

Click here for a rugby drill to get attackers side-stepping.